Br Marcolino Gomes graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Theology at the University of Divinity Graduation Ceremony on 25 March. The ceremony, held in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, saw over 370 students receive a variety of awards from diplomas to doctorates. Marco is now studying for his master’s in theological studies. Congratulations, Marco! More photos & video

On 16 July, the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Brs José Natalino Freitas and Anacleto Guterres Da Costa renewed their Vows for another year. The ceremony took place during Mass in the Carmelite Community at Middle Park. Fr David Hofman (Formator) received their Vows on behalf of Fr Paul Cahill (Prior Provincial) who could not be present due to the Coronavirus lockdown in Melbourne. In renewing their Vows José and Anacleto have committed themselves to their Carmelite formation journey for another year. More story & photos.

Yesterday 15 of our young Carmelites in Timor received the ministries of Lector (reader) and Acolyte during Mass in our community at Hera. Lectors proclaim the Word of God in liturgical assemblies, instruct adults and children in the faith and prepare them to receive the sacraments. Acolytes assist the priest during the celebration of the Eucharist, holding the Missal, preparing the altar and the vessels and cleaning them after Communion. They may also distribute Communion if necessary. For those preparing for Priesthood in the Church, receiving these ministries is another step on their journey to Ordination. More story & photos

Last Wednesday, Fr Carlito, a Carmelite from Timor-Leste, went to the audience with the Holy Father and had the opportunity to meet the Pope. “When the Holy Father went by I asked him to bless and pray for me, my family and God’s people in my country. The Holy Father asked me, ‘Where are you from?’ I replied that I am from Timor Leste and the Holy Father said to me, ‘Keep your faith, you are still young, pray diligently and do the best in your study.’” Then the Holy Father put his hands on my head and blessed me,” Fr Carlito said. More photos & video

On Saturday, April 17, Br Matthew Tonini was ordained Priest and Br Agedo Bento ordained Deacon at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Middle Park (Vic) by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. More story, video & photos

Our young Carmelites in Timor-Leste have been helping to distribute food and household goods and clean and rebuild houses following the devastating floods in Timor-Leste. The local parish in Hera has become a refugee centre for many people who have lost everything in the disaster. Closer to Dili, our Carmelites in Fatuhada have also been helping out with food, clothing and transport for people affected by the crisis. More story  Donate here

Last Friday evening (19 March) Br Albino Dos Santos joined 400 other students of the University of Divinity, Melbourne, for the Graduation Ceremony during which he received the degree of Bachelor of Theology. Having studied Philosophy for 3 years in Timor, Albino came to Australia in 2016. Completing his English studies in 2017 he began the Bachelor of Theology Degree which he completed at the end of 2020. Albino is now studying for the Master of Theological Studies degree. Congratulations, Albino! See photos & video